Doting grandmother Carole Middleton has described her grandson, the future king, as "absolutely beautiful" after visiting the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their new baby in hospital.

Carole and Michael Middleton spent just over an hour with their daughter Kate and son-in-law William, and a smiling Mrs Middleton, speaking about mother and baby, said: "They are both doing really well, and we are so thrilled."

Carole and Michael Middleton arriving at the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital in London

When asked by the world's media, who are camped outside the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital in London, how the proud parents were doing, she replied: "Fabulously."

Asked what the first cuddle with her grandson was like, Mrs Middleton, who had been ushered forward by her husband to speak to the press, said: "Amazing, It's all coming back."

But when asked if she had suggested a name for the baby, she said: "Absolutely not, but thank you."